Environmental Theologian Martin Palmer to Speak in Twin Cities May 23

Media Note: For photographs, Todd Reubold, reub0002 [a] umn (p) edu, (612) 624-6140
For press passes, Mary Hoff, maryhoff [a] umn (p) edu, (612) 626-2670
For permission to reprint Martin Palmer , Mary Hoff, maryhoff [a] umn (p) edu

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (05/14/2012) —What can environmentalism learn from religion about sustainability? U.K.-based environmental theologian Martin Palmer will explore how faith traditions encourage us to be a part of nature, not apart from nature as the grand finale speaker in the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment’s Momentum 2012 event series Wednesday, May 23, 7:30 p.m., at the Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis.

Palmer is a theologian, author, broadcaster, environmentalist and lay preacher in the Church of England, and serves as secretary-general of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), a secular non-governmental organization that helps faith-based and international groups develop environmental and conservation projects. His presentation, “Creation or Ecosystems? Rediscovering Our Place in the Natural World,” will challenge the narrow utilitarian view of our planet and explore how we can tap the storytelling skills of the faiths to imagine and create a better future.

Palmer works with major religions worldwide as well as with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, the United Nations and the World Bank. He is the author of more 20 than books on religious and environmental topics, and is a renowned translator of ancient Chinese texts. His work on sacred sites worldwide has won multiple awards. Palmer frequently appears on radio and television, and is a regular contributor to the BBC. Read more about his thoughts on conservation and faith here.

Along with Palmer’s talk, the evening will feature a performance by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. Master of ceremonies will be Karen Hanson, University of Minnesota senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. For tickets, the Northrop Box Office, (612) 624-2345 or environment.umn.edu/momentum/eventseries.

The May 23 event, made possible by premier sponsor General Mills, media sponsor Minnesota Public Radio and others, is the final of three environment-themed evenings presented by IonE as part of its Momentum 2012 series. The first two events featured National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen and Nature Conservancy biologist M. Sanjayan. Professionally produced videos of those talks will be available in June at environment.umn.edu/momentum/eventseries.

The University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment seeks lasting solutions to Earth’s biggest challenges through research, partnerships and leadership development. , visit environment.umn.edu.

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• Last modified on May 14, 2012